3 officers charged in strip-search case deny wrongdoing

Three Milwaukee police officers accused of illegally strip-searching a man in 2012 have testified that their search was appropriate.

Two officers testified Wednesday that they stopped 40-year-old Leo Hardy because they were looking for a suspect often seen with him.

Officers Michael Gasser, Keith Garland Jr. and Michael Valuch Jr. said they patted down Hardy to search for weapons or drugs. But they denied his allegations that they grabbed his genitals, pulled down his pants or otherwise exposed nudity to public view.

One woman testified that Hardy's buttocks were clearly exposed, and another says she saw his pants around his ankles.

Closing arguments are expected Thursday.

At least 60 people have accused Milwaukee police of conducting illegal strip searches and body-cavity searches.

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